Lunch Lessons: 7 Healthy & Simple School Lunches

There’s only a bit of August left, which means the first day of school is right around the corner. Can’t believe it’s happening so soon? Don’t worry, our back to school series is chalk full of tips and tricks to help you and your little ones hit the playground in style. We’ve already talked dorm room decor, since most post secondary frosh or orientation programs start the week before classes. Now it’s time for another integral part of back to school prep: lunch!

Sending your kids out the door with healthy and nutritious goodies that will keep them energized and learning all day is a task that everyone recognizes as important. But that doesn’t mean it warrants hours in the kitchen.  Check out our list of wholesome, simple, delicious lunches. They require minimal effort to make and are just what your child needs to fuel their day.

Bits & Bites – There’s so much for you and your little one to enjoy when it comes to this lunch. Protein, grains, fruits, and veggies come together to create a yummy meal that can be whipped up in minutes.

Image via Simple As That

Hearty Humus – This is another wholesome smorgasbord!  Humus is a delicious source of protein that goes well with a variety of veggies and crackers, and the fruit will serve as a sweet dessert. Yum!

Image via The Huffington Post

Sneaky Egg Salad – Add some egg-stra goodness into your egg salad with avocado! Not only will everyone’s favorite vegetable turn your sandwich green, (which we can all agree is awesome), avocados are a great source of antioxidants, protein, nutrients, and fiber.

Image via Two Peas & Their Pod

BLT Roll – Why toast bread when you can roll? We love the east meets west of these BLT spring rolls and we’re sure your little ones will too. We already know BLTs are delicious, but subbing bread for rice paper and rolling is a genius idea. They’re easier to prepare ahead of time, store, and eat. That’s a win, win, win folks.

Image via White on Rice Couple

Supreme Salami Sandwich – Sandwiches are delicious. Soggy sandwiches are far from it! Making your own garlicy dill cream cheese and using it to top this salami sandwich is awesome. Not only is it totally tasty, this is one spread that will not get soggy over time. We are loving this recipe and we’re sure your little ones will too.

Image via Natasha's Kitchen

Personal Tortilla Pizza – Who doesn’t like pizza? Pack this up for lunch and your little ones definitely won’t be trading it away! You can top with prosciutto and arugula like they’ve suggested, or try more kid-friendly options (like pepperoni and green peppers).

Image via The Clever Carrot

Skip The Swiss – Ham and Swiss? Try ham and avocado! That’s right, here’s another opportunity to load your little ones up with the ultimate goodness of avocados.

Image via Country Living

We hope these easy recipes help you as your little ones get back to school. Does your family have a simple lunchtime staple? Share it with @HomeShows on Twitter and Instagram – we’re always looking for new recipes!

Read More

Fun Father's Day Food: 7 Breakfast Recipes

Can you believe Father’s Day is this Sunday? We’ve been sharing Father’s Day gift ideas for a few weeks to help you prepare for the special day, but we know they might not work for everyone. If you aren’t a DIY-er, but would like to surprise Dad with something homemade this year, why not cook him a delicious breakfast? We’ve compiled a list of simple, Dad-friendly breakfast recipes that are sure to delight. Check ‘em out below and show Dad how much you care by making his morning.

Perfect Pancakes – Using a squeeze bottle filled with pancake batter to spell out DAD? This is one super cute idea! It’s easy to do and such a fun way to show Dad this day is all about him.

Image via Betty Crocker

Egg-cellent Egg Cups – If you think these breakfast bites look delicious, you’re right. If you think they’re hard to make, you’re wrong. Throw a little black forest ham in a muffin pan, crack an egg in it, bake, and you’re good to go.

Image via The Comfort of Cooking

Cool Cake – If your Dad loves bacon and beer, (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?), then he’ll love this cake! Vanilla cake mix and frosting, beer, bacon, and a waffle iron come together to create this towering treat.

Image via Brit + Co

Wicked Wookiee – Is your Dad is a big fan of Han, Luke, Leia, and Chewie? Freak out he will when you surprise him with this delightful donut.

Image via Just Jenn Recipes

Mighty Mix – Can’t decide what to cook for Dad? Try making a whole platter! With a hearty mix of smoked salmon, eggs, bacon, prosciutto, English muffins, and more you can’t go wrong!

Image via AO Life

Breakfast Burrito – Burritos are normally a mix of rice, beans, veggies, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream, and while they can be eaten for breakfast, they’re usually saved for a later meal. However, this wonderful wrap is perfect for breakfast. Eggs, steak, cheese, and hot sauce are the perfect morning combo. We’re sure your Dad will eat it up.

Image via Food Network

Playful Pizza – This is another type of food that’s usually reserved for a later meal (unless you’ve had a particularly long night). Again, some minor substitutions have turned it into a delicious breakfast feast that your Dad will flip for. He won’t be able to resist a slice!

Image via Home Cooking Adventure

We hope these delicious breakfast ideas help get your Father’s Day off to a great start. Do you normally cook up something different for your Dad? Make sure to share your Father’s Day traditions with @HomeShows on Twitter and Instagram – we’d love to see how your family celebrates. From our family to yours, Happy Father’s Day.

Read More